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To add to this discussion. Hand checking is a defensive tactic taught by the coaches. It's a double edge sword for the coaches used entirely to their benefit. If this tactic is used against their player, and they are behind in the game, they complain to the high heavons and the reason they complain so loudly is because, since they teach it, they recognize it often before we the officials do. Again, this is being taught and what's being taught is how to do it in such a way where it's hard for the officials to see it. Believe me when I say it takes a trained eye to spot it.
If you really want to get a good look at how disadvangate this tactic is. You must watch, floor level or referee college men's games. You will get a good feel for it then. Where I think we must get involved as officials is when it doesn't stop because it is happening constantly during the game and none of us is going to call everyone we see. The way I like to approach this is verbally. HANDS! HANDS!! Now if I have to say it a 3rd time, beep, hand check! However, you can not always handle it this way either. There are certain situations where I blast it immedately and the one that sticks out the most, is when I'm in the C position and the ball is in front of me closest to the baseline and the Lead hasn't rotated over yet. Player head fakes a shot and attempts to drive the baseline for a layup. Defender, goes for the fake and is now a step behind the move, puts that hand on the dribbler and it slows the dribbler down so they can catch up. This is too big of an advangate to the defense. I call this right away. No verbal warning.
Beep! Hand Check! Baseline out!
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